Like they say, everything is BIG in Texas. Wed, 18 Feb 2004 17:31:24 -0600 World record 121 1/2-pound catfish caught on banks of Lake Texoma. Friday Jan 16, 2004 - Cody Mullennix, a North Texas angler managed to corral a 121 1/2-pound record blue catfish from Lake Texoma. That's a record as in lake, state, world and line class. Mullennix, 27, was fishing not from a boat but simply from a spot on the lake's bank when he landed the giant. The fish, which Mullennix donated alive to the state, will be put on display in the outdoor reservoir display at the fisheries center in Athens, which is about 75 miles east of Dallas. "I live just 15 minutes from the lake, and I've been fishing there for 10 years, trying to catch those big catfish," Mullennix said. "I had landed a 56-pounder earlier that morning. After this fish hit, it came up and rolled about 70 yards out, and I knew it was going to be big." With 450 yards of 20-pound line on his big spinning reel, Mullennix said, he played the fish into shallow water. Then he waded out to hold it while calling for help on his cell phone. "I knew it was big before we weighed it, but when the 100-pound scale bottomed out, I knew it was really big," Mullennix said. Mullennix and friends finally got the fish out of the lake, then turned it over to Texas Parks and Wildlife fisheries experts. It was transferred to the fisheries center, where it's reportedly doing just fine. Once the fish has been monitored for infection or any stress because of being caught and moved, it will be put on display. A veterinarian will examine the fish tonight to make certain that it hasn't ingested any foreign objects that could have increased its weight, which exceeds all other record weights for blue catfish. The current world record of 111 pounds is in jeopardy, as is the all-tackle record 116.75 pounds, caught in the Mississippi River in 2001. Both could fall once Mullennix's fish is certified. The record catfish will be put on display at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, which has 300,000 gallons of aquariums and features a daily dive show and on-site fishing. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Entrance fees are $5.50 for adults, $4.50 for senior citizens and $3.50 for children. For more information, visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us
It's wierd, that sport is fascinating, but what the hell are you going to do with that much catfish? :eek2: Is it just strictly trophy grappling/fishing or do people eat it? Would seem a shame to kill such an old wiley beast just to hang it on the wall.
I think after seeing that... I would NEVER go swimming in the Mississippi river :eek2: I can't imagine getting stung by that beast! Holy cow!! (do people swim in that river?)
Stung? Maybe "nailed" by those pectoral spikes, but they don't "sting". Unless you are just using the term generally. Or unless I need to still learn about catfish. :laugh:
Beuhler, Beuhler, Anyone Anyone Good afternoon class. I would like for you to open your web browser to. http://www.umm.edu/outdoor/catfish.htm :Smarty:
Great reading huh? In this case, if the informational portion of this program would have stopped after the first paragraph it would have been perfect. But that second part, More information than we needed! But informative none the less. Doubt I plan a swimming trip to South America soon. Troy
Send the two DUDES and the fish to the Taxedermest, have 'em stuffed, and mount them "JUST THE WAY YA' SEE 'EM". At your favorite hangout have the Bartender install them above the mirror behind the bar...............Man would that be a HOOOOOT !!!ou: ou: ou: ou: ou: